CANCER REGISTRY

CANCER REGISTRY

The Cancer Association of Namibia is proud to present the “2010-2014 Cancer Incidence Report” on reported cancer cases in the Republic of Namibia. In addition to this report, 2 other previously published reports are available online.

For more information of interim statistics (2015 onwards), please contact the Namibia National Cancer Registry at canreg@can.org,na

History of Registry

The Namibia National Cancer Registry was started in 1995, when Rössing Uranium mine, in co-operation with the Namibian Ministry of Health (Oncology clinic) and the Cancer Association of Namibia, collected all cancer cases reported to the Windhoek state pathology laboratory and the single existing private pathology laboratory from 1979 to 1994. From 1995 onwards, the Namibia National Cancer Registry commenced active registration of both pathology-based and clinical cases for four sentinel regions (Erongo, Oranjemund, Oshakati and Khomas). Cases that are diagnosed in South Africa are re-routed to the Namibian registry via a network of registries, which are technically supported by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The Namibia National Cancer Registry aims to provide a database of information that will ultimately lead to improved cancer prevention and control among the Namibian population.

The Namibia National Cancer Registry is a Population-based registry.

Location of Registry

The registry is based in the premises of the Cancer Association of Namibia (90 John Meinert Street, Windhoek-West, WINDHOEK). There is a separate office, one computer linked to a server is used for data entry. Transport, Technical and Administration support are provided by the Association, as required.

Director: The Registry is co-managed by R. Hansen CEO of the Cancer Association of Namibia, Technical Leader, L. Horn (Cancer Association of Namibia) and Dr. A. Zietsman and the staff of the DR AB May Cancer Care Centre.

Registry population

The registry covers the entire population of Namibia 2,104,900 at the 2011 census. Map of Namibia shows the 11 regions and the population of each.

Source of finance

IARC covers some ground travel costs. All other registry activities are funded by the Cancer Association of Namibia.

Sources of information for the registry

There are two large state hospitals in Windhoek: Central Hospital (which includes the AB May Cancer Care Centre) and Katutura Hospital, and one in each Region. A new cancer centre has opened in Oshakati State Hospital.

There are five private hospitals in Windhoek (Roman Catholic, Rhino Park, Medi-Clinic, Paramount and Lady Pohamba).

During 2015 the Namibia Oncology Centre (NOC) – a specialized private cancer treatment facility – opened its doors; the first of its kind for Namibia.

At present, primary data collection takes place only at AB May Cancer Care Centre and Namibia Oncology Centre to which all cancer patients are supposed to be sent for assessment and possible treatment if private or state.

There are just 2 pathology laboratories in the country, the state National Institute of Pathology (NIP) and the private PathCare. Some information on cases from Namibia is received from the laboratory in Cape Town (Dr Holm). The pathology reports from NIP include demographic data, but place of residence is noted in less than one third. The print-out received from PathCare does not include personal details, only the age and sex of the subject. There is no service of clinical Haematology.

Death registry – There is civil registration of deaths, by cause, the responsibility of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Permission for access to copies of certificates of cancer cases has been requested. The quality of information as to cause of death is not known.

Methods of registration

Case finding relies upon receipt of completed registration forms, completed by nursing staff in the admissions unit of AB May Cancer Centre, NOC and copies of pathology reports, as described above. Currently, there is no active case finding.

Data management

A desktop computer is used for data entry. CanReg5 is employed.

Data analysis/results

There are 3 published reports (1995-1998, 2000-2005, and 2006-2009). The reports show wildly fluctuating numbers of cases registered, which reflects the numbers of cases on the CanReg database.

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As with most aspects in life, education remains the golden equaliser to fight cancer. In Namibia, the very high HIV-prevalence rate, in addition to poverty and lack of access to screening points for cancer, makes the fight a more challenging one! We believe that if we educate our youth effectively a better outcome can be expected. The CAN Youth Programme was established in 2017 to specifically address this challenge, and a group of young Namibians (ages 12 – 21) drive the communication strategy to educate peers on better lifestyle choices, healthier living options and how to try prevent cancer rather than fighting it later in life.

Projects & Fundraising

CAN receives ZERO foreign aid or money from government. All operations and administration is funded by in-house fundraising initiatives and donations. A dedicated Project Coordinator and assisting colleagues work with the CEO to plan and execute our local and national fundraising drives. Should you like to make a donation or become part of our fundraising team, please contact finance@can.org.na

Advocacy

Advisory and support to the MoHSS and Office of the First Lady on cancer related topics to better the fight on cancer in Namibia is a key component of the fight on cancer in Namibia. CAN was instrumental in the development of the Tobacco Control Act of 2010, the new Namibia National Cancer Control Plan, as well as the Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment Guideline for the country. Advocacy on the rights of cancer patients, access to treatment, quality healthcare and supporting patients in decision-making of treatment is an important priority to the CAN team.

Support to Government (Ministry of Health and Social Services)

Cancer is a disease that needs multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral support to be fought effectively. CAN continues to support the Dr AB May Cancer Care Centre & Paediatric Oncology Ward at Windhoek Central Hospital to the best of our abilities to ensure Namibian cancer patients can get the best possible State treatment. In addition to the hospital, the medical team also train and equips the State medical teams regionally with cancer information, support services for their patients and skills to screen and help identify cancer earlier.
We all play an important role to fight cancer better in Namibia!

Regional Footprint

Volunteer committees nationwide, in addition to the CAN Erongo Centre (opened in September 2017), impacts lives throughout Namibia.
You can contact your local volunteer team at: http://www.can.org.na/contact-us/

Psychosocial Support

The Standard Bank Circle of Hope programme falls under the CAN Family Support Centre and was officially launched in 2016 as a peer-to-peer volunteer social support group for all cancers prevalent in Namibia. Officially being launched as a department in June 2017, the centre provides counselling services for the patient and family afflicted by cancer. On Tuesday one-on-one counselling is provided in the Circle of Hope rooms, while “Huddles of Hope” by means of group sessions are conducted on Thursday afternoons at our House Acacia. All patients are welcome to contact our reception at 061 237740 for more information.

Data & Research: The Namibia National Cancer Registry (NNCR)

TheNamibia National Cancer Registry (NNCR) is funded and administrated by CAN since 1995. Our CEO is also the National Director of the registry and with a dedicated technical team administrates the only population-based national cancer registry for Namibia. This data helps the Health Ministry and CAN measure the economic burden of cancer, assist in future planning and prevention tactics to fight cancer in Namibia. http://www.can.org.na/projects/chica-interim-home/

Patient Accommodation Support (Children)

CHICA Interim Home is a safe haven for mothers and children while the little ones receive treatment in Windhoek – all complimentary. http://www.can.org.na/projects/chica-interim-home/

CAN provides financial and/or transportation and/or commodity assistance to patients who are undergoing treatment for cancer. The programmed is governed by a board-approved policy that allows for transparency and full accountability of public funds. On average, the assistance programme supports patients in excess of N$2,5 million. Our CHICA (Children Fighting Cancer in Namibia) Fund supports childhood cancer patients financially during treatment.

Screening: The National Cancer Outreach Programme (NCOP)

Visits rural Namibia annually to present community clinics, train and certify medical staff. This programme is funded primarily the annual Cancer Ball of Namibia, with the distinct aim to raise enough funds to allow complimentary access to cancer screening to all Namibians. 140 Namibians are welcomed per day per town by the outreach team to be screened primarily for breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer and to also provide guidance and referrals should other conditions be recognized. Community Clinics at our CAN Medical Centre and CAN Erongo Centre are ongoing weekly throughout the year as well.

Cancer Communication

Awareness and education to the nation on cancer (printed material, radio, tv, talks) remains crucial to break the stigma attached to cancer, educate the nation and reinforce the fight on cancer. We have regular talks on radio, television and social media drives. This while talks at schools or communities form part of our annual activities.